Health

Health and healthcare are at the forefront of disability rights issues. In these pieces, you’ll find insights on topics ranging from insurance and the need for systemic change within medical institutions, to the importance of self-care for your physical and mental well-being.

A photo of a stethoscope on a table next to building blocks with medical icons like a stethoscope and hospital bed to indicate building blocks of healthcare.

We Cannot Neglect the Health Needs of Chronically Ill and Disabled People During the Pandemic

The following post is part of our series on perspectives from disabled and chronically ill people regarding COVID-19. This post is not intended as medical advice. Please note this post only uses first names and some names have been changed…

The top of a traditional doctor's office standing weight scale

Using a Wheelchair Shouldn’t Mean I Have to Play “Guess My Weight” at the Doctor

Most people know not to lie to their doctors. Nobody wants to end up like the person in a medical drama on TV who withheld vital medical information and ends up dying because of something treatable. But what happens when…

Congress: Ensure Disabled People Don’t Lose Access to Our Communities

We must ensure that transit and paratransit services receive the support they need, so that for those of us who cannot drive or cannot afford to drive can still access school, jobs, doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, and everything else we need to get to in order to participate fully in our communities.

I Take Hydroxychloroquine For My Autoimmune Disease. President Trump and Dr. Oz Pushing It As a Cure for COVID-19 Puts My Health— and the Health of Millions Like Me — at Risk.

The following post is part of our series on perspectives from disabled and chronically ill people regarding COVID-19. This post is not intended as medical advice. I take hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for my autoimmune disease. Ever since President Trump and Dr.…

Disabled, Not Disposable – Joe

Why should people care about disabled folks in a crisis? Joe Stramondo puts it simply: "The value of disabled lives is that they are of value to the disabled people that live them."

Wooden letter tiles spelling out "you are enough" on a pink background.

In the Face of the Pandemic, A Reminder for Disabled People: You Are Enough

The following post is part of our series on perspectives from disabled and chronically ill people regarding COVID-19. It has never been more evident that my nondisabled fellow Americans, maybe even the world, has a deep-seated hatred of disabled people…

For the Chronic Illness Community, Quarantine Life is Nothing New

The following post is part of our series on perspectives from disabled and chronically ill people regarding COVID-19. This post is not intended as medical advice. As someone who takes comfort in a daily routine, my days don’t differ all…

An illustration of x-rays of different body parts, highlighting pain points in red.

Enduring Chronic Pain During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The following post is part of our series on perspectives from disabled and chronically ill people regarding COVID-19. This post is not intended as medical advice. My daughter’s voice woke me this morning. I open my eyes. I take a…

A range of multicolored hands (blue, green, orange, yellow, red) reaching out toward each other.

We Need More Than Social Distancing. We Need Social Safety Nets.

The following post is part of our series on perspectives from disabled and chronically ill people regarding COVID-19. This post is not intended as medical advice. COVID-19 and the emergency responses from governments around the world are evidence we do…